A call to action from the City Council
The Deputy Mayor of Madrid, Inmaculada Sanz, has made a strong appeal to the Government Delegation for the match between Real Madrid and Hapoel Tel Aviv, scheduled for April 29 and May 1, to be played with fans. In a recent press conference, Sanz emphasized that "it should be played with open doors, like any other match," highlighting the importance of having supporters in the stands during this decisive Euroleague quarter-final playoff.
This clash is crucial for the team led by Sergio Scariolo, as they seek to reach their twelfth European Cup. The Deputy Mayor expressed her understanding of the club and its fans' frustration at the possibility of these matches being held without spectators, something that has already occurred in previous games against Israeli teams.
Over the past year, matches between Real Madrid and teams like Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel have been marked by political tensions, leading to restrictive decisions regarding public attendance. In particular, during previous encounters, protests against the State of Israel and local political figures were recorded in the stands. This has created a complicated environment for the normal celebration of sporting events.
Sanz did not hesitate to criticise the Government Delegate, Francisco Martín, suggesting that some are more focused on pointing fingers at fans than on ensuring the necessary security to carry out these events. The Deputy Mayor made it clear that it is the Government's responsibility to ensure a safe environment where fans can enjoy basketball without restrictions.
As the key dates for these matches approach, both the City Council and Real Madrid are hoping for a favourable response from the government authorities. The pressure is mounting not only due to the sporting significance of the event but also because of the collective desire to once again experience the unique atmosphere that a match with present fans offers.
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